Leonardo admits Ronaldinho frustration

AC Milan boss Leonardo has admitted Brazilian Ronaldino is not the player he once was, but insists the former Barcelona man is still very much in his plans.

The 29-year-old won the Ballon d’Or back in 2005 but has yet to match the standards he set in his early years at the Nou Camp in his time in Milan.

Leonardo has now admitted the San Siro faithful are yet to see Ronaldinho at his best, but insists the Brazilian is till in his plans and backed Ronaldinho to make a significant contribution to the Milan side.

He said: “There’s no need to judge Ronaldinho before and after every game. He is a resource like every other player at the club,

“It’s normal to make some changes when you have to play a long way away with only a few days rest.

“It seems to me that Ronaldinho is always under observation. Every performance is analysed and re-analysed.

“He’s a Ballon d’Or winner and it’s normal that he’s analysed but I think there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration.”

Ronaldinho first gained a reputation as a ‘party boy’ in his time at PSG in the French league. This reputation followed him to Barcelona where he did little to quell the talk of his socialising antics. Leonardo has admitted Ronaldinho’s reputation is a problem but claims the player is overly scrutinised with every slight mistake.

He added: “He has a public image (as liking to party) and every time something happens it gets blown up. It’s also in part his fault, particularly given what happened in the past at Barcelona.

“It’s true that he’s not the player of three years ago but he has done some good things this year and he will do again.”

At 29 Ronaldinho still has time to resurrect his career and if Milan can be patient with him I’m confident the Rossoneri will see Ronaldinho improve. He may never hit the levels he did in his time at Barca but he can still be useful for Milan and a potent threat in Serie A.

AC Milan boss Leonardo has admitted Brazilian Ronaldino is not the player he once was, but insists the former Barcelona man is still very much in his plans.

The 29-year-old won the Ballon d’Or back in 2005 but has yet to match the standards he set in his early years at the Nou Camp in his time in Milan.

Leonardo has now admitted the San Siro faithful are yet to see Ronaldinho at his best, but insists the Brazilian is till in his plans and backed Ronaldinho to make a significant contribution to the Milan side.

He said: “There’s no need to judge Ronaldinho before and after every game. He is a resource like every other player at the club,

“It’s normal to make some changes when you have to play a long way away with only a few days rest.

“It seems to me that Ronaldinho is always under observation. Every performance is analysed and re-analysed.

“He’s a Ballon d’Or winner and it’s normal that he’s analysed but I think there are many factors that have to be taken into consideration.”

Ronaldinho first gained a reputation as a ‘party boy’ in his time at PSG in the French league. This reputation followed him to Barcelona where he did little to quell the talk of his socialising antics. Leonardo has admitted Ronaldinho’s reputation is a problem but claims the player is overly scrutinised with every slight mistake.

He added: “He has a public image (as liking to party) and every time something happens it gets blown up. It’s also in part his fault, particularly given what happened in the past at Barcelona.

“It’s true that he’s not the player of three years ago but he has done some good things this year and he will do again.”

At 29 Ronaldinho still has time to resurrect his career and if Milan can be patient with him I’m confident the Rossoneri will see Ronaldinho improve. He may never hit the levels he did in his time at Barca but he can still be useful for Milan and a potent threat in Serie A.